I. Context/Background
Mwambao Coastal Community Network was established in 2010 to help communities in Tanzania’s
coastal areas develop strong and effective local resource management systems that support livelihoods
and sustain marine ecosystems. Mwambao works to empower local communities and enable them to
learn from each other through a community-based network spanning different coastal areas and
communities. This network structure fosters learning as well as collective action on shared interests such
as influencing policy.
Mwambao has emerged as a leading actor in facilitating community-based marine management in
Zanzibar as well as north-eastern Tanzania working with a number of key international partners. Mwambao has been working with Fauna & Flora International since [2014] to support the effective management of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA). Mwambao takes a rights based approach to implementing measures that improve reef ecosystem health, improve sustainability of key fisheries, improve local wellbeing through inclusion of fishers into their fishing ground management and provide opportunities to engage in other livelihood activities.
Mwambao is implementing a multi-million Euro, 4.5-year project funded by the Blue Action Fund (BlueAction). Mwambao is seeking an experienced Ecological Data Manager to support the effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting of ecological data associated with the BlueAction grant entitled ‘Increasing socio-ecological resilience through community-led management of key coastal ecosystems in the Pemba Channel, Tanzania’ as well as it’s wider programmes in the Zanzibar islands and Tanzania mainland.
- Overview of the role
The ecological data manager is responsible for managing the design and collection of all biological data from Mwambao field activities, including catch data, in-water biological survey data, and mangrove monitoring data. They must be familiar with current Mwambao methodologies for ecological survey, and be able to design new methodologies for ecological monitoring based on best practice.
In addition to managing the data collection process, the ecological data manager is responsible for quality control of all ecological data collected, including organizing and taking part in spot checks in the field. They will also line manage the Senior Data Manager and Data Coordination Officers Pemba and Tanga.
The ecological data manager should have proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and production of pivot tables, and knowledge of R-studio would be an advantage. They should have a basic knowledge of statistics, be able to carry out basic data analysis and interpretation of results, including presentation of results in bar charts and graphs, and write scientific reports.
The ideal candidate should also be able to swim and snorkel, have a basic ID capacity for marine organisms including fish, corals, and seagrass, and be familiar with interpreting maps showing marine resource distribution.
- Key Relationships
Reporting to: Head of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
Key relationships within Mwambao-MCCC- Project Manager- BAF, Head of MEL, CTA, Data manager
- Roles and Responsibilities
The role of the ecological data manager is to ensure the timely and accurate collection, organization, and analysis of biological data from Mwambao field activities, in order to support effective ecological management and conservation of marine resources.
Technical
- Managing the design and collection of all biological data from Mwambao field activities, including catch data, in-water biological survey data, and mangrove monitoring data.
- Ensuring the quality control of all ecological data collection, including organizing and taking part in spot checks in the field.
- Being familiar with current Mwambao methodologies for ecological survey, and designing new methodologies for ecological monitoring based on best practice.
- Cataloguing and filing all data collected and ensuring at least two back-up copies are made.
- Carrying out basic data analysis and interpretation of results, including presentation of results in bar charts and graphs.
- Development of outputs and reports according to agreed workplans and in a timely manner for funder reporting
Development
- As required and in line with approved strategic plans, contribute to and support the development of funding proposals, ensuring the accuracy and appropriateness of work planned in Tanzania
Budgeting and Reporting
- Contribute to the production of annual work-plans and budgets, in line with annual project budgets and anticipated outcomes
- Ensure full compliance with Mwambao FFI position statements, protocols, policies and procedures, ensuring work is done to high quality and within fund budgets
Other
- Undertake regular travel to project sites, Tanga region, Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba), relevant conferences and international meetings as required
- Support a culture of excellent communication, sharing of knowledge, lessons learnt and best practice and collaboration between project staff, wider Mwambao team members, supporting partners and other stakeholders as appropriate
- Undertake any other tasks commensurate with the position that may be requested from time-to-time by Line Manager.
VI. Person Specification
Qualifications:
- A BSc and preferably an MSc in an Ecological or Biological Science related subject
- Basic knowledge of statistics
Skills:
- Ability to manage the design and collection of all biological data from Mwambao field activities including catch data, in-water biological survey data, mangrove monitoring data
- Familiarity with current Mwambao methodologies for ecological survey including catch data, in-water biological survey data, mangrove monitoring data
- Line management skills and mentoring/training staff
- Quality control skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and production of pivot tables
- Knowledge of R-studio or another statistical package (would be an advantage)
- Basic data analysis and interpretation skills, including presentation of results in bar charts and graphs
- Scientific report writing skills, including introduction, methodology, results, and conclusions
- Ability to swim and snorkel
- Ability to read and interpret scientific papers
- Excellent cataloging and filing skills
- Thoroughness and attention to detail
- Ability to design new methodologies for ecological monitoring based on best practice
- Familiarity with interpretation of maps showing marine resource distribution
- Basic ID capacity for marine organisms including fish, corals, and seagrass.
Experience:
- Prior experience in managing the design and collection of biological data from field activities
- Prior experience in line management and mentoring/training of staff
- Prior experience in quality control of ecological data collection and organization of spot checks in the field, ideally in a marine or fisheries context
- Experience working for an NGO or research institution would be desirable
- Prior experience in basic data analysis and interpretation, and presentation of results in bar charts and graphs
- Prior experience in designing new methodologies for ecological monitoring based on best practice.
In addition to the above qualifications, skills, and experience, the ideal candidate should also be committed and a quick learner.
To apply for this post please submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) and complete this form by 10th May 2023. The covering letter should include why you are interested in this position with MWAMBAO and emphasize how your skills and experience match those required for the job. Only candidates who meet the requirements for this position will be contacted for an interview.
